PANAJI:
The fifth edition of the Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT) opened in Goa today, turning the coastal state into a vibrant stage for India’s next generation of filmmakers. A total of 125 young creators from across the country have begun the high-energy 48-hour filmmaking challenge, where ideas race from script to screen in an intense burst of creativity and collaboration.
CMOT, an initiative of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the National Film Development Corporation, aims to identify and nurture emerging talent in India’s film industry. Held alongside the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), the programme offers young filmmakers a rare opportunity to showcase their skills on a global platform. Now in its fifth edition, it brings together 125 participants from 13 filmmaking crafts, continuing its mission to discover and elevate the storytellers who will shape India’s creative future.
Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs L Murugan launched the event and commended the participants for their passion and dedication. He noted the steady growth of CMOT since its debut in 2021 and its rising international relevance. “This platform connects India’s emerging creators to global producers and creative networks. It is not just about filmmaking, it is about shaping the nation’s creative future,” he said.
Murugan encouraged the participants to fully embrace the demanding 48-hour challenge, adding that such experiences sharpen instincts and bring out the best in young creators. He also highlighted the government’s recent initiatives to strengthen India’s creative ecosystem, including the newly established Indian Institute of Creative Technologies in Mumbai.
Ministry Secretary Sanjay Jaju congratulated the selected youth, calling their inclusion a significant milestone. Reflecting on last year’s edition, he said the final showcase delivered films that were “almost Oscar-like” in quality. “Many of you will go on to become the future storytellers and global cultural ambassadors of India,” he said, citing the example of a CMOT alumnus who recently won a National Film Award.
Shorts International Founder and CEO Carter Pilcher described this year’s edition as one of the most exciting so far and praised the Ministry for creating a platform unmatched by any other global festival. “Participants from earlier editions are already screening at Cannes, at major festivals worldwide, and even making it to the Oscars shortlist,” he said, encouraging the young creators to experiment, collaborate and push creative boundaries.
